Tag Archives: Dashiell Hammett

Peyton Manning and the Maltese Falcon

By Robin Bates | Published: December 1, 2012

“The Maltese Falcon” captures the existential absurdity of Peyton Manning in a Broncos’ uniform.

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Young Idealists, Become Sam Spade

By Robin Bates | Published: April 20, 2012

David Brooks recommends that young idealists toughen up a la Sam Spade.

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Will GOP Base Play the Sap Yet Again?

By Robin Bates | Published: January 24, 2012

Is the Republican establishment simply exploiting its base, like Tom (in “Mill on the Floss”) exploits Maggie and as Brigid O’Shaughnessy (in “The Maltese Falcon”) tries to exploit Sam Spade?

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Sam Spade Takes on Sarah Palin

By Robin Bates | Published: June 15, 2011

Something about Monday’s debate amongst Republicans vying for their party’s presidential nomination reminded me of Dashiell Hammett’s “The Maltese Falcon.” They are all chasing after a legendary black bird that seems to be priceless but all too often turns out to be a lead simulacrum.

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Osama, Obama, and Sam Spade

By Robin Bates | Published: May 4, 2011

There’s something about celebrating the killing of someone, even a mass murderer, that leaves me queasy. Exploring the parallel I drew Monday between America and Sam Spade helps me get a better grip on the issue.

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When a Man’s Partner Is Killed . . .

By Robin Bates | Published: May 2, 2011

What literary work does one turn to when justice is finally accomplished against the architect of of 9-11? Andrew Sullivan of the Daily Dish suggests the following quotation from Dashiel Hammet’s Maltese Falcon.

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On the Logic of Having Babies

By Robin Bates | Published: December 7, 2009

In a recent post on her website, my wonderful daughter-in-law reflects on whether she and Darien will have children.  The reflection was occasioned by our Iowa Thanksgiving where she saw all of her husband’s cousins having children (and I mean all, the only exceptions being those who are in college or younger).  So Betsy compiles […]

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